Expulsion gave Liam Barrett a dangerous choice. Needing to transfer for his final year, he'd known immediately where to go. It was a distantly familiar place that'd taken everything from him; had once ruined him so absolutely and twisted his persona...
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Liam limped up to his home, fumbling for his keys. His breath hitched through clenched teeth, pain cutting through him as he moved. Groaning, he leant forward, resting his forehead against the front door, its slight chill comforting. He sighed. Ella and Logan would kill him once they saw the state of him.
ㅤThe blinding screen of his phone told him it was almost three in the morning; a relief. His foster parents would be asleep.
ㅤHe winced when the door clicked shut a bit too loudly, but no sounds from upstairs responded.
ㅤMaking as little noise as possible, he headed to the kitchen, turned the light on dim, and leant against the sink with two hands. There was a mirror behind him and his reflection was something to behold. His cheek was red and swollen up to his eye, sure to bruise later. More concerningly, a long trail of dried blood came from his nose. It didn't look broken but he couldn't yet be sure. That was all despite his numerous cuts, grazes, and sore leg.
ㅤBradley had really gotten him good.
ㅤLiam wet a dish towel, flushed out excess water, and dabbed delicately at his face. His muted groan stayed low, cleaning his nose and cheek, wiping away the blood and any small rocks or dirt lingering.
ㅤIt would've been stupid to deny that Charlie was a capable scrapper, more capable than Liam had thought at the time. He'd underestimated him entirely. If Liam had been less arrogant he could've prepared better.
ㅤBradley had been playing with him. It was embarrassing.
ㅤDespite the low chill of defeat, his heart still thumped with excitement and a swollen-blooded tingle nipped at his skin and fingertips. He pinched his lip. He liked it.
ㅤThe feeling lingered; having Bradley pushed up against that wall, bodies pressed together, moving, the heat of skin leaking through Charlie's jacket and their faces so close Liam could feel his calm, gentle breath brush his cheek. Earlier than that, the warmth of Charlie's arm slung over his shoulders had tingled his entire body from the spike of adrenaline— a sensation Liam had very much enjoyed.
ㅤLiam's stomach flipped. His fingernails dug into his lip, the sting cutting those thoughts away. He splashed some water on his face, hands covering his eyes. This was not okay.
ㅤYes, Charlie had grown up nicely. Despite his poor character, his face had matured unfairly rich. But Liam wouldn't entertain thoughts related to that, as distracting as Charlie's handsome semblance had the potential to be. Liam was here to ruin the man, not enjoy him. He couldn't let the thrill deceive him.
ㅤWith another cold splash to his face, forgetting the blunt trauma Charlie had inflected on his leg, Liam groaned, having leant on the ill-advised limb.
ㅤ"What are you doing?"
ㅤLiam's head snapped up. A very sleepy Aaron was by the door. Mentally cursing himself, Liam subtly displayed his left side, keeping the blood and bruises on his right side hidden.
